SB 2894 adds cybersecurity insurance to Mississippi's Insurance Guaranty Association (MIGA) coverage by defining it to include first- and third-party claims for data breaches, ransomware, and similar cyber incidents. The bill sets a $300,000 maximum payout per policy for all cyber claims arising from a single event, regardless of how many claims or claimants are involved. This affects Mississippi insurers offering cybersecurity coverage, policyholders with such policies, and the MIGA, which will handle claims if an insurer becomes insolvent. The law applies to claims filed under MIGA’s existing framework for insolvent insurers.
SB 2695 extends the automatic expiration date of Mississippi's Professional Massage Therapy Act to July 1, 2029. This keeps the current licensing requirements for massage therapists and establishments in place, preventing the law from being repealed earlier. The bill also brings forward the existing sections of the act (73-67-1 through 73-67-37) to allow for future amendments. It directly affects massage therapy professionals and businesses operating under Mississippi's licensing system.
HB 999 revises Mississippi's definition of "modular home" under the Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes Law. It clarifies that modular homes must be certified by manufacturers to comply with Mississippi's current building code, installed on approved foundations, and explicitly excludes manufactured homes (which follow federal safety standards). This change directly affects manufacturers, contractors, and installers of modular homes by defining their regulatory requirements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing rules for manufactured or mobile homes.
SB 2216 removes an automatic expiration date from a law governing Mississippi's public universities. This change ensures the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning retains its existing authority over university property, budgets, and operations without needing future legislative renewal. The bill directly affects how Mississippi's public universities are administered, preventing the automatic termination of this governance structure.
Mississippi's SB 2392 authorizes the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Division of Medicaid to apply for a federal grant program (CCBHC Demonstration) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This bill directly affects regional mental health commissions by requiring DMH to certify and monitor clinics, while Medicaid establishes a payment system for CCBHC services. The key mechanism is enabling Mississippi to access federal funding for certified community behavioral health clinics, aligning with federal standards under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014. The bill does not create new services but streamlines the state’s process to join an existing federal grant program.
HB 917 exempts certain client information related to development projects from Mississippi's Public Records Act for four years. It applies to public bodies (like local governments or planning agencies) holding this information, preventing public disclosure during project review and for 30 days after approval. The exemption covers details like project proposals and financial data provided to entities such as the Mississippi Development Authority, but does not apply to information required in annual reports under Section 57-1-759. This change aims to protect sensitive business negotiations while maintaining transparency requirements for specific reporting.
HB 150 increases weight limits for concrete and solid waste transport vehicles in Mississippi. It raises the maximum gross weight to 64,000 pounds for three-axle concrete/solid waste vehicles and 72,000 pounds for four-axle vehicles, while specifying axle distribution limits (e.g., 22,000 pounds per single axle). The bill restricts these vehicles to operating within 50 miles of their home base, requires all wheels to be brake-equipped, and prohibits travel on interstate highways or bridges not rated for the weight. These changes directly affect commercial transport companies handling concrete and solid waste within the state. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1189 increases mandatory payments from individuals convicted of human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation crimes into a dedicated victim support fund. For felony violations (e.g., under Sections 97-3-54.1, 97-3-65), courts must collect a $1,000 payment; for misdemeanor violations (Section 97-3-7), payments range from $100 to $1,000. These funds are deposited directly into the "Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund" established under Section 97-3-54.11. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with no changes to existing criminal penalties.
This bill amends Mississippi's trust law to clarify how trustees handle money received during an entity's partial liquidation (e.g., when a corporation sells part of its assets). It defines "partial liquidation" as either an entity explicitly stating it's partial or when distributions exceed 20% of the entity's total assets. Crucially, it requires trustees to reallocate a portion of such funds from "principal" to "income" to cover federal and state income taxes triggered by the distribution. This affects trustees managing trust assets who receive payments from entities like corporations or real estate investment trusts (REITs) during partial liquidations.
SB 2264 modifies Mississippi's agritourism laws to clarify definitions, update safety warnings, and establish a registration system. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms or ranches offering public visits) to register annually with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture for a $50 fee and maintain a public list of registered activities. The bill mandates clear warning signs and written notices at locations, stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities like land conditions, equipment, or animal behavior. It also strengthens liability protections for professionals, barring claims for injuries caused by inherent risks unless the professional acted with willful disregard for safety. This law directly affects farm-based tourism operations and their visitors by standardizing safety communications and registration.
SB 2025 amends Mississippi law to add "beneficial substance" and "plant biostimulant" to the definitions of soil and plant amendment products under Section 69-24-5. It requires new label details for these products, including brand name, net weight, ingredient percentages (both amending and inert), purpose statement, and application directions, as specified in Section 69-24-7. This law directly affects manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of soil amendments and biostimulant products by mandating clearer labeling and proof of product claims. The bill ensures consumers and farmers receive standardized, factual information about these products' composition and intended use.
SB 2286 modifies Mississippi's unemployment insurance contributions by requiring the suspension of payments to the Workforce Enhancement Training Fund when the state's insured unemployment rate averages above 5.5% for three consecutive months ending September 30 of the previous year. This suspension applies to the following rate year, meaning employers would not be required to pay this specific contribution during periods of elevated unemployment. The bill directly affects employers who pay unemployment insurance contributions, as it temporarily reduces their funding obligations to the training program under the defined economic condition. The provision maintains the existing structure of unemployment insurance payments while adding a trigger-based adjustment for workforce training fund contributions.
